Detox Quinoa Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette: A Healthy and Delicious Reset!
It’s officially January, which means we’re all about resetting, recharging, and filling up on vibrant, feel-good meals. Enter this Detox Quinoa Salad with a zesty Maple Syrup Apple Cider Vinaigrette. It’s light yet super satisfying, bursting with bold flavors and crunchy textures. Think sweet dates, tart pomegranate seeds, crisp green apple, and fluffy quinoa, all tied together with a sweet-tangy dressing. Oh, and did I mention it’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats? Yep, this salad is basically a glow-up in a bowl.
Let me tell you, it’s perfect for those days when you want something healthy but still crave flavor and a little sweetness. Plus, it’s quick to throw together and makes great leftovers—the flavors just get better as they meld together in the fridge!
How to Serve It
I love serving this salad as a light lunch or dinner, but it also makes an amazing side dish for grilled chicken or roasted veggies. You can meal prep it ahead of time and enjoy it for a couple of days—the flavors get even better as it sits!
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish it with a few extra pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of dressing right before serving.

Detox Quinoa Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
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Equipment
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- sharp knife
Ingredients
Quinoa Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup dried quinoa
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 6 dates diced
- 1 green apple diced
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup spinach chiffonade
Maple Syrup Detox Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool completely.1 cup dried quinoa
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, 1 cup of pomegranate seeds, 6 diced dates, 1 diced green apple, and 1 cup of chiffonade spinach.1 cup pomegranate seeds, 6 dates, 1 green apple, 1 cup spinach
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Slowly stream in ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified.1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 clove garlic, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to coat.
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More About This Recipe
Cooking Tips for the Best Salad Ever
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter.
- Let the Quinoa Cool: Make sure your quinoa is fully cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. Warm quinoa can wilt the spinach and affect the texture of the salad.
- Chiffonade the Spinach: To chiffonade means to slice into thin ribbons. It makes the spinach easier to mix and gives the salad a more elegant presentation.
- Emulsify the Dressing: When making the dressing, slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking vigorously. This helps emulsify the dressing, making it creamy and well combined.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: For rinsing the quinoa.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing all the salad ingredients together.
- Whisk: To emulsify the dressing.
- Sharp Knife: For dicing the apple and dates.
Nutrition
Why You Need This Detox Salad in Your Life
- Quinoa: A Complete Plant-Based Protein Quinoa isn’t just trendy—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. It’s one of the few plant-based foods that provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This is especially important for women over 50, as protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports bone health. For a detailed overview of quinoa’s benefits, check out this article from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Packed with Antioxidants Those little ruby-red gems are not only beautiful but also loaded with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support heart health. Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. You can read more about their benefits at: Healthline – Benefits of Pomegranates.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Detoxifier Apple cider vinegar adds that tangy kick and is known for its potential detox benefits. Some studies suggest it can aid digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels. Plus, it just makes the dressing taste amazing!
- Dates and Maple Syrup: Natural Sweetness Using whole dates and maple syrup adds natural sweetness without refined sugar. Dates are also rich in fiber, which helps keep things moving (if you know what I mean).
Final Thoughts
This Detox Quinoa Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s wholesome, nourishing, and packed with bold flavors that make eating healthy feel like anything but boring. Whether you’re kicking off a new health routine or just looking for something fresh and delicious, this salad has got you covered.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to tag me when you make it—I love seeing your creations. Stay healthy and happy, friends!